Elliot Hecht
Biography
Elliot Hecht is an associate in Baker McKenzie’s Washington, DC office and a member of the Firm’s International Commercial and Trade Practice Group. Prior to joining the Firm, Elliot worked at another international law firm advising clients on cross-border investment, international trade, and national security matters. He served as law clerk for the US Senate Committee on the Judiciary for Senator Patrick Leahy, and for Judge Reggie B. Walton of the US District Court for the District of Columbia. Before entering the practice of law, Elliot worked as a management consultant and as a research assistant for a leading international security think tank.
Practice Focus
Elliot advises public and private companies on complex national security regulatory matters, involving trade and economic sanctions, US export controls (Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)), outbound investment restrictions, foreign direct investment, and the mitigation of foreign ownership, control, or influence (FOCI) and facility security clearances. A significant part of Elliot's practice focuses on issues related to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and guiding clients through the CFIUS review process. Elliot also advises clients through investigations and regulatory inquiries, including the Department of Justice (DOJ), CFIUS, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). In addition to Elliot's investigations practice, Elliot represents clients on day-to-day compliance matters and transactional due diligence.
Representative Legal Matters
- Represented a big box retailer on compliance with US sanctions and US export controls.
- Advised financial institutions regarding compliance with US sanctions in lending and capital market transactions.*
- Represented RENK Group AG in securing CFIUS clearance in connection with the acquisition of certain assets of Cincinnati Gearing Systems Inc., a leader in the design and manufacture of precision gears and power transmission equipment for military and industrial applications.*
- Represented a European defense company in securing CFIUS clearance in connection with an investment by another leading European defense company.*
- Represented Wren House Infrastructure Management Limited, an infrastructure investment firm and subsidiary of the Kuwait Investment Authority in its successful effort to obtain CFIUS approval in connection with its 50% acquisition of SeaCube Container Leasing Ltd., a global purchaser and lessor of refrigerated containers.*
- Represented a portfolio company of a private equity fund in securing CFIUS clearance for the sale of natural gas power plants.*
- Represented a private equity firm in securing CFIUS clearance for the sale of a company that designs and manufactures engineered systems and solutions for industrial and transportation applications.*
- Represented a commercial lender in securing CFIUS clearance in connection with the restructuring of an aerospace and defense portfolio company.*
- Represented a private equity firm in securing CFIUS clearance in connection with the acquisition of a global transportation and logistics provider.*
*Advisement prior to joining Baker McKenzie
Admissions
- District of Columbia~United States (2022)
Education
- Georgetown University (J.D., magna cum laude, Order of the Coif) (2022)
- Dickinson College (B.A.) (2015)
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